Dinner

Healthy Protein Bar Recipe with Bananas, Seeds, and Melted Chocolate Recipe

ByLuna Ryder February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

These homemade protein bars are a delicious and healthy snack, perfect for on-the-go energy. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, bananas, and nut butter, they offer a great balance of protein and natural sweetness.

Six rectangular granola bars are arranged in two rows on a white marbled texture. Each bar has a bottom layer of golden brown oat mixture with a rough texture. The top layer is partly covered with smooth dark brown chocolate, spread unevenly across each bar. Scattered on the chocolate and oats are mixed seeds, including light-colored sunflower seeds, white sesame seeds, and green pumpkin seeds. Some of these seeds are also scattered loosely around the bars on the surface. The overall look is rustic and inviting, with a mix of crunchy textures and rich chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

150g porridge oats
2 small bananas (about 160g), peeled and mashed
100ml maple syrup
200g almond, peanut, or sunflower butter
90g vanilla protein powder
50g mixed seeds, plus 1 tbsp for the topping
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk, any kind (optional)
50g dark chocolate, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Put the oats in a blender and blitz until they resemble a fine flour.
Step 2: Add the mashed banana, maple syrup, nut butter, protein powder, mixed seeds, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend again to form a thick dough. If the mixture is too dry, add the milk a little at a time until it comes together.
Step 3: Line a 20cm square tin with baking parchment and press the dough into the tin in an even layer.
Step 4: Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the top and scatter with the extra tablespoon of mixed seeds and a pinch of sea salt flakes.
Step 5: Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and check that your protein powder is nut-free.
Add a handful of dried fruit or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Use flavored protein powders like chocolate or berry to change up the taste.
Press the mixture firmly into the tin to help the bars hold together better.

Storage

Store the protein bars chilled in an airtight container for up to three days. To keep them longer, freeze the bars individually wrapped and thaw before eating. Reheat briefly if you prefer softer bars.